Child sexual abuse material (CSAM) can cause harm long after the original abuse has taken place. When images or videos of a child's abuse continue to be viewed, shared or circulated online, survivors may experience ongoing trauma and re-traumatisation. They may have little or no control over what happens to images of their abuse.
The ECHO Survivor Hub, launched in June 2026, provides a coordinated, victim-centred approach to supporting survivors of CSAM. ECHO works with survivors to help address the ongoing impact of abuse imagery, including supporting the removal of images from online circulation and helping survivors understand and access support. ECHO can also support survivors who wish to engage with the criminal justice system, help them understand potential compensation opportunities, provide survivor-informed digital resources and signpost them to specialist services where required.
Why Does This Matter?
Survivors may:
□ Experience ongoing trauma and re-traumatisation
□ Have no control over images of their abuse being shared
□ Feel unable to disclose what has happened because of shame or fear
□ Miss opportunities to access compensation or support
□ Feel that their experiences are not recognised within the criminal justice system
The original abuse may have ended, but the harm can continue.
What Is ECHO?
ECHO brings together International Policing and Public Protection Research Institute.
ECHO aims to:
□ Support the removal of abuse imagery from online circulation
□ Internet Watch Foundation (IWF)
□ Protect Children
□ Increase awareness of compensation opportunities
□ Support survivors engaging with the criminal justice system
□ Help survivors have a voice in criminal proceedings
What Should Girls’ Brigade People Do?
□ Provide digital peer-support resources
□ Signpost survivors to specialist services
□ ECHO complements existing services rather than replacing them.
If a child or young person discloses online sexual abuse or concerns about images being shared:
- Listen - Stay calm, listen and take what they say seriously.
- Do not investigate - Do not ask unnecessary questions or ask them to show you sexual images.
- Record - Record what was said or observed clearly, factually and promptly.
- Share - Never forward, save or share sexual images or videos. Follow GBEW safeguarding procedures and share the concern with the appropriate person. You do not need to have all the evidence before raising a concern.
Accessing ECHO Support ECHO is fully funded. Survivors may be able to access support if they:
□ Reside in the UK
□ Have reported their abuse to UK police
□ Are under 18 and have parental or carer consent
For more information or to make a referral, visit the ECHO Survivor Hub website. Reflective Question
□ If a child told me that images of their abuse were still being shared online, would I recognise that the harm may be continuing and know what action to take?
Key Message
Online child sexual abuse can cause ongoing harm. As Girls’ Brigade people, we can help by: Listening. Recognising concerns. Sharing information. Supporting survivors.
Safeguarding Reminder
If you are ever worried about a safeguarding concern, you should:
□ complete a Safeguarding Cause for Concern form
□ contact the Support Office or [email protected] for advice, guidance, or ad hoc support
Do not wait if you are unsure seek advice early. Please share with colleagues, safeguarding is everyone’s responsibility
